Another Ghost Story

This happened back in August 2000. I bought a book that listed haunted locations through out the nation, seperated by state. I found a story of a small cemetery outise of Paso Robles, Ca. It was called Adeliada Cemetery. Story goes that in the late 18oo's a woman killed herself as she was distraut as her two young children died in a dyptheria epedimic. The story continues to say that on every Friday night between the hours of 10:00 pm and midnight the woman would appear and places flowers on her children's graves.

My friend Fred did a bit of research and called up the Paso Robles Cemetery District to find out more as well as get permission. He talked to someone there and they gave him a first name of Charlotte. They couldn't tell him where the part of the story of her showing up on Friday's but we thought this would be the time to go and made preparations and went one Friday night.

The four of us (Tom, Scott, Fred, and myself) arrived around 9:30 to the cemetery. The place didn't look abadoned but you can tell it wasn't used much. There were some beautiful iron gates with the cemetery name on them that were locked. Luckily the pedestrian entrance was open (presumedly by the owners since they knew we were coming) and were able to enter. Walking around I got a better feel for the place. There was an abadoned building of some sort, but I couldn't tell what it was until closer inspection. There was also an old sign hanging from a tree with the cemeteray's name on it. The graves themselves were rather neatly kept, you could tell the families still came to the cemetery to clean up the family plots. We noticed that all the graves weren't older then the 1950's. This struck us as odd since the story of the woman mentioned the late 1800's.

We wandered around a bit more noticing that 10:00 was nearing. Tom wandered off to see what was on top of this hill. I'm glad he did as he found another group of graves, around three dozen or so and all from the 1800's. We felt better but had another question in our minds. We were searching for Charlotte's grave but no where did we hear that she was buried there. We decided to start looking for two children's graves that had died in the time period we were told as well as sharing the last name. It was now 10:00 and since the bottom cemetery hadn't been explored throuroughly Scott and myself volunterred to investigate that and Fred and Tom would do the top portion.


Scott and I headed back down and decided to first investigate the graves to see if we could find any children's. There weren't that many and all were relatively new (1950'sish). While we were doing this we heard footsteps.

Before I continue I should describe the place. The street portion of the cemetery had quite a few trees and despite it still being August, there were a lot of dried leaves and twigs on the ground. So much that whenever you stepped you would hear a crunching sound. On top of the hill was worse as the entire area was covered in trees and was like a canopy.

As I was saying we started hearing footsteps. Thinking it was Tom and Fred looking for us I called out to them but heard no response. I then asked if someone was there and stated what we were doing and that we had permission. Still nothing. Scott, being the skeptic he is, thought it was an animal of sorts but then it continued again and it definitely sounded like two footsteps and not four. We walked around a bit more and kept hearing footsteps. I know it wasn't ours echoing or something as we would be still and could hear the footsteps off in the distance. They stopped after about thirty seconds. Scott and I decided to investigate the abadoned building since we couldn't find any children's graves and then wait for Tom and Fred to come back down.

As we were walking over to the building I noticed that the flashlights were moving rather erraticly and I could hear loud voices but couldn't tell whose they were or what they were saying. I figured they were just talking and didn't really think any more of it.

We got over to the building and couldn't quite figure out what it was. The building was constructed of cement blocks and the door was hanging on it's hinges but still opened. I could tell at one point it held nearly a full length pane of glass as the jamb was still intact. Inside I noticed there were benches on either side of the building and assumed it was either a seating area or some chapel of sorts. On the outside on the far end I noticed two square rooms about 4'x4' or so with a small seat. I had no idea what these were for and just assumed they were storage. We went back inside once more to take some photos. When we walked back outside we started hearing footsteps again, this time a bit louder and a bit faster. Then they stopped and I could hear Tom's voice yelling for us.

They had found Charlotte's grave.

As it's nearly 11:30 here and I really need to go to bed I feel this is a good stopping point. I should be able to finish this either tomorrow night or the next day. Figured the finding of Charlotte's grave makes a great cliffhanger of sorts.

The Coast

Montery was a blast. I uploaded the photos I took and these are them. I've been using Tabblo lately as they have unlimited storage as well as a larger monthly download. The image you see below is a photo group, called a tabblo (orginal huh?). Click it and it will take you to the group where you can see the photos individually as well as others that aren't related to my trip.

Year to the Day

Today is my birthday. I entered this world 29 years ago and it hasn't been the same since. Being a Wednsday today wasn't too eventful as I had to work today and will have to tomorrow. This weekend will be fun though, my mother is taking the Bilf™ and myself to Monterey as well as my sister and stepfather. Monterey is one of my favorite places and it's been a while. Hopefully I will get some good pics and post them here.

Work was ok, went out to lunch at Roundtable and had pizza. The entire office signed a card and for some reason one of my bosses was really dark. I think he was trying to be funny, but I was scared a bit. I'm trying to convince the office to do an intervention, should be funny if they fall for it. After work I had to kill some time till my girlfriend got off work. I went by the county library trying to do some research on a house but was told I would have to go to the planning department, then back to the library, then to the hall of records to find the info I need. What sucks is that the planning department and hall of records close at 5:00. So apparently most government services are not for people who work 8-5. Makes sense to me.

Went over to the Bilf's™ around 7:00 and she was tired and I felt bad about going out as work gave her yet another headache. We went to Circuit City as I wanted a dvd burner, but there wasn't really one that I wanted. I could tell she was tired so I said we could go back when she felt better and just do dinner another night. I felt bad as I know she wanted to treat me, I'm just being stupid for some reason. Hopefully this weekend I'll be in a better mood.

Take two

I swear I hate this computer. I was nearly done with a post and it froze up on me and I had to reboot.

Anyways I was talking about how my sister and I saw Snakes on a Plane. Best. Movie. Ever. So many quotable lines and just overall cheese. I can't wait for the dvd to come out to I can try the SoaP drinking game. Everytime a snake bites someone, take a shot. Lots of alcohol will be needed.

My birthday is coming up and I still don't know what I am doing. I know Montery is this weekend so that should be good. Will be nice to go to the coast again since the last time I was there was when I took the Bilf™ two years ago. There is supposed to be a haunted restaurant nearby. Rather famous, it's called the Moss Beach Distillry and during the 1920's it was a speak easy and a woman was murdered there. So she is supposed to haunt the restaurant now.

Speaking of ghosts, looks like there is an investigation the second week of September. I really can't say much as it's a private business, but I guess they are having a lot of activity. Should be interesting.

My First Encounter

People ask me what got me interested in ghosts to begin with and why I now investigate proposed haunted locations. I had always been curious about the unknown, beit ghosts or UFO's or something else that was unexplainable. Every journey has a start and this is the story of the first ghost I ever saw. It happened to be in the house my mom owned when I was a kid.

I was up late one night watching TV when I decided to go to bed as there was nothing on. As I walked to the back of my house down the hallway to where my bedroom is at, I passed my sister's room and saw something white move from her room to the bathroom right across from her's. I also heard the rustling of fabric on the hardwood floor. I assumed it was my sister sleepwalking again so I turned on the bathroom light to make sure she was ok. Upon turning on the light I saw no one in there and figured I was just getting a bit sleepy and that maybe she just moved from the bathroom to her bedroom. I turned on the light in her room to see her fast asleep and not wearing pajamas that would make a rustling sound on the floor (she was wearing the typical pants and shirt pj's). A bit creeped out now as I knew I saw something I went straight to bed.

The next morning I told my mom what happened and she surprised me by saying that it was probably the ghost of the previous owner of the house's wife. Apparently she died in the house and my mom even said she had seen a shadowy figure several times as well as odd feelings.

Unfortunately this was the only time that anything occurred. A few years later my mom sold the house. I drive by the house on occasion, perhaps hoping I'll see the owner of the house outside. Maybe strike up a conversation with them, saying how I used to live there, etc. Of course I would steer the conversation to the ghosts, hoping they have seen something as well. Of all the places I have investigated, my old house is one that I would like to add to it.

Weekend recap

This weekend wqasn't too bad. Hung out with Ash and Chris all Saturday, then that night I picked up the Bilf™ and the four of us saw Tallegda Nights, the Ballad of Ricky Bobby. Movie wasn't that bad, though I was pissed at Ash cause she told me their would be plenty of mullets and I didn't see a single one.

Sunday was pretty uneventful. I tried watching Elizabeth, but my DVD player is being a bitch and freezing up on me. I should just tell the Bilf™ that I want one for my birthday, but I just don't feel right asking for a $75 piece of equipment. I know I am being stubborn and am probably being an ass but I never like asking for anything. I'll go through the Sunday sales and see if I can find anything.

This upcoming week should be pretty uneventful. But I've been known to be wrong before.

Speak and you shall be heard.

An update of sorts. I went by the Meux Home on my lunch break. Before I go any further I will give a brief description for the 1 person who reads my blog and doesn't know Fresno (yes Meghan I am looking at you). The Meux Home is an old Victorian style house located in Downtown Fresno and is over 100 years old. Absolutely beautiful home, especially when it's decorated during Christmas. I had heard stories for years regarding that it's haunted, most had to do with little children. As I was saying, I went there on my lunch hour and actually screwed up enough courage to ring the bell. The tourguide lady asked me if I wanted a tour and I said no and asked if I could ask some questions regarding the place. I told her who I was and what I do and gave her a card. She was very polite and told me she hadn't seen anything since she has been there but to talk to one of the head people there as she has been involved for years. She gave me the woman's phone number and said if anything had happened that she would know. I asked her if she was receptive to these things and was told yes. So I thanked her for her time and promised to visit soon as I hadn't been there in over a decade.

I called the woman and left a message and figured she wouldn't call back. Well this morning I recieved a call from the woman and she was very nice and polite with me. Told me she hadn't seen anything, but remembers someone saying they saw a member of the family but didn't know if they were joking or not. She invited me to come visit sometime and talk with her about the place and mentioned that she will bring up my group at the next board meeting to see if we can do an investigation. I really doubt they will let us, as I am sure they don't want the public to know they are haunted but you never know. But I did talk to someone about this and got a positive response. I already have more that I want to talk to, just some are an hour drive from my house so I am weary. I would rather call but that hasn't been productive as of yet. Only time will tell.

Speak up

So I need some advice/help.

Like I said in an earlier post (and mostly everyone that knows me) I investigate supposed haunted locations as a hobby. One of the things I have been wanting to do is to collect a list of haunted places in and around Fresno and either publish it or even do a haunted tour like in San Francisco. The problem though is that it's hard to find places. Getting the word out on my group has been hard. The public places we have gone to have either been investigated before or we contacted them and asked to perform an investigation. As for the private residences, we have done only two and they came about because one of the team members knew someone in connection the the residences. We have gotten some others, but they seem to be flakey and I really doubt anything will ever come to fruitation.

Our busy season, begins in September with a possible school site, but this depends on the people in charge. Then it's back to places we have already been to. Not that I am complaing as I hate it when I see other ghost hunters go to a site once and never go back. But what I am complaining about is we haven't gotten any new leads. Last year was great. Went up to Sierra Skyranch in July (going back there in Oct and Nov) then Hotel Jeffery in Coulterville twice, Andleberry Estate twice and Springville Inn in Springville, CA. Now it just seems like we are in a drought of sorts. I have a list of places I want to contact but here lies the problem and why I need advice. As much as it pains me to say this, I am shy and I have a hard time iniating the first contact. Given the almost taboo nature of the subject of the paranormal I am even more shy when trying to contact someone regarding their property. How does one start that conversation? I know others who do it and get a positive response, so why can't I? I honestly think I am worried about being rejected (took me four years to ask out my girlfriend) and being made fun of because I do this and this is considered a psuedo-science at best.

Well I could use some advice on how to approach people on this. But that being said I am going to the Meux Home in downtown Fresno during my lunch hour and just see what happens. I don't really care if they reject me and tell me to get the hell away from them. I think knowing that I actually did something will help me to gain confidence.

Tomorrow is going to be long though. It's a friend's birthday and he and his wife want to go up to Coarsegold to the Indian casino. Problem is that they want to go after the see World Trade Center so I don't know if we will leave until 9:30 or so. And with an hour trip it will be 10:30. And honestly there is nothing to do up there except gamble, eat, and to see if a show if there is any. But it's a friend's birthday and I will go.

We've got movie sign!!

I just finished watching Roman Holiday and falling even more in love with Audrey Hepburn. This was her first major role (which she won an Oscar for) and it's amazing how the elegance and poise was evident even more here, and not just because she portrayed a princess.

I have to give thanks to Netflix, if it wasn't for them I doubt I would have ever rented any of these jewels. Definitely has broadened my horizons with movies. Both good and bad.

You see I love bad movies. I think it started when my bestfriend Tom and I would rent cheesy horror movies and watch them. We'd laugh at the plotless stories, the horrible make-up and special effects, and just how bad some really wear (Forever Evil anyone?) Then I made one of those live changing discoveries one day, one that you know you will never be the same from again. I was flipping through the channels and I came across a movie with a silloute of theater chairs and three persons. One looked like a normal person, but the other two seemed to be puppets. As I watched I realized they were making fun of this horrible movie and I started laughing at this as I thought it was brilliant. I was just introduced to Mystery Science Theater 3000. I became a huge fan of the show and watched it until we got rid of cable. Even after I would always make fun of movies and just recently I found a bunch of episodes on DVD and the love has been reborn. Thanks to MST3k I have been privy to such horrors as Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, Hobgoblins, Time Chasers, "Manos" Hands of Fate, and the ever banal Mr. B Natural.

What is even better is now my sister is just as addicted to me and we will constantly text each other with our favorite quote (Trumpy what do you know? Food. Eating. The theater.") and will riff (make fun of) on any movie we see (X-men 3 which we do not believe existed). And thanks to the wonderful invention that is the internet I have found that the writer for MST3k, Michael J. Nelson, has starting offering audio commentary for download on mainstream movies (is Road House considered mainstream?) where you just have to rent the movie, therefor avoiding any copyright infringement. This has given me the idea of my sister and I to do the same thing. From our favorite movies (Lord of the Rings) to crap (the aforementioned nonexistant X3) we plan on riffing as much as we can and sparing no feelings. Well except I refuse to make fun of any Audrey Hepburn movies. But that's just me.

Two Drifters

I guess I should explain both the title of this blog as well as the address. Last week I had recieved Breakfast at Tiffany's in the mail from Netflix. Now normally I am not one for the classics, but one of the reasons for getting the service is that I could see a lot more movies and not spend $6 per rental. I recieved the movie on Saturday and since the Giants were losing yet another baseball game I decided to pop in the dvd. Now I was a bit familiar with the movie, I knew Truman Capote wrote it but that was all. From the opening scene of Audrey Hepburn's character of Holiday (Holly) Golightly at Tiffany and Co. in the morning until the end I knew I had a new favorite.

There was a song she sang (which I later found out was made very popular in 1961) called Moonriver. The way she sang was so lovely, but you could hear just a bit of sadness in her voice. This is going to sound odd, but at that moment I fell in love with Audrey Hepburn. Not THAT way of course, I have a loving girlfriend of two years, but just how she portrayed herself. Holly was an escort but was the most elegant person I had ever seen. Of course then I realized that was Hepburn in her natural beauty and she made Holly a part of herself. I loved how she had such poise and dignity and was graceful and even a bit of a brat. These were qualities I always found attractive in a woman but never could find. Then I realized I had, my girlfriend. I am not comparing the two, but my girlfriend has always had a grace and elegance about her that I had seen when I first met her over six years ago. It was one of the things that made me want her and pursue her. I just never really gave it a thought till I saw this movie.


After I finished this I became a huge Audrey Hepburn fan and chided myself on not seeing her movies earlier. I immediately added more of her films to my Netflix list (Roman Holiday should be here on 8/10) but still felt that wasn't enough. I read her bio on wikipedia and found out she had done a lot of work in the later part of her life with UNICEF as they had helped her when she was a child in the aftermath of WWII. I went to her charity's website and saw they took donations. I had just recieved a rebate in the mail for some software I had purchased months ago and had forgotten about it. I decided that starving children needed the money more then I did, so I wrote a letter (rambling a bit I feel) saying why I was donating the money. I think it was just me saying thank you though I hope they don't think I am TOO odd when they read it.

It's sad she died at the age of 63, but I was so impressed how she always put everyone else above her. Like riding in coach on flights as she didn't think she should be in first class or donating an expensive wedding gown to a poor italian family (who still have it) as she wasn't going to need it. She loved doing movies but I read her greatest joy was helping others. It's too unfortunate that today's starts can't follow this same mantra but care more about being on the cover of People Magazine. With the quality of movies (or lack thereof) today being what they are, I am glad I have Netflix so at least I can see something with class.

An Introduction

I decided to do another blog, this time one for posting general thoughts as well as things that go on in my life. I will still be doing the mobile blog, just needed something to jot down my ideas and I have been looking for something to document all the paranormal investigations I have been partaking on lately. Since there are a few in the past I figured I would post those first, that way next month when the latest to happen everything will be caught up.